Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will make recognition of a Palestinian state contingent on (1) Hamas’ release of hostages, and (2) Hamas’ disarmament.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
In her statements confirming the UK's decision to recognise the State of Palestine, the Foreign Secretary has made clear that there can and will be no role for Hamas terrorists in the future governance of Gaza. She has also welcomed the unanimous declaration by the Arab League calling for Hamas to release all hostages, lay down its arms and relinquish all power in Gaza. Those goals will remain a priority for the UK Government as we work with international partners to progress efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two states of Israel and Palestine living securely side by side.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to democratic reform.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
A reformed Palestinian Authority is essential to long-term stability in the region and making progress towards a two-state solution. The UK welcomes the Palestinian Authority's commitment to deliver its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform' in full as a matter of priority in the short, medium and long term. We welcome President Abbas' commitment to hold Presidential and Legislative elections within a year to be conducted under international auspices, supervision and support. Alongside our partners, the UK will continue to support the Palestinian Authority as it delivers its important reform agenda, including on democratic reform.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Indo-Pacific) discussed the forthcoming sentencing of the 45 pro-democracy activists under the National Security Law with Hong Kong’s Convenor of the Executive Council during their recent meeting.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
Minister West met with Regina Ip on 31 October in an official capacity. Human rights were raised as part of the discussion.
The UK will continue to speak often and candidly with Hong Kong authorities across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation. Engagement with representatives of Hong Kong and China is pragmatic and necessary to support UK interests.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government why the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London continues to enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 provides the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office with certain privileges and immunities in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations for the purposes of furthering economic and trade interests. There are no current plans to replace this legislation.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what was discussed during the recent meeting between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Indo-Pacific) and Hong Kong’s Convenor of the Executive Council and whether the meeting included discussions on human rights violations in Hong Kong.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
Minister West met with Regina Ip on 31 October in an official capacity. Human rights were raised as part of the discussion.
The UK will continue to speak often and candidly with Hong Kong authorities across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation. Engagement with representatives of Hong Kong and China is pragmatic and necessary to support UK interests.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what are the next steps following the recent meeting between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Indo-Pacific) and Hong Kong’s Convenor of the Executive Council.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
Following the meeting, Minister West visited Hong Kong for a two-day programme of engagements. Minister West met with stakeholders across the Hong Kong Government to discuss areas of co-operation and challenge on areas of contention.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that over 500 terrorists were captured by the Israel Defence Forces at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza; and how this is reflected in their public statements.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We are aware of these reports, but have not made any specific public comment on them. The UK Government closely follows the security situation in the Middle East and maintains a regular dialogue with international counterparts.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attack on the Israel Defence Forces naval base in Eilat on 1 April; and how this is reflected in their public statements.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We are aware of reports of a drone strike on 1 April, but have not made any specific public comment on these. The UK wants to see a lasting peace, and we are working with partners to de-escalate the situation in the region.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported sale of equipment imported by UNRWA to (1) Hamas, and (2) Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK takes allegations of neutrality violations extremely seriously including reports of diversion of equipment. This is something we monitor closely in our annual assessment of UNRWA. UNRWA has a number of measures in place to prevent aid diversion.
We are closely following the independent investigation into UNRWA neutrality policies and systems, led by Catherine Colonna, which will look at all aspects of UNRWA's work.
Asked by: Lord Shinkwin (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent reports that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was an UNRWA teacher.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK takes allegations of neutrality violations seriously including any allegations related to Hamas' involvement in UNWRA's education provision. This is something we monitor closely in our annual assessment of UNRWA. When violations have been identified in the past, UNRWA has taken action including raising the issue with relevant parties.
We are aware that the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna have now provided their interim reports to the UN Secretary-General. Their independent investigations include assessment of the policies and systems UNRWA has in place to ensure neutrality.